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"GETTING TESTED GIVES RELIEF! "

says Wogayehu Tadesse

Wogayehu Tadesse

She is a mother of two children. Her first son is eighteen-years-old. Her second child is a seven years old girl. , Wogayehu Tadesse Addis Ababa near St Paul's Hospital. Up to Grade eight she attended a school there. She learned she had the virus 3 years ago. Now she teaches about AIDS as a member of Tilla Association.

Wogayehu shared us one of the incidents she experienced. "One day I went to the office of my childhood friend. An elderly person told me that my friend was out on business and invited me to sit down till he returns. This man gave me a warm greeting and invited me to tea. Talking with the man I waited for my friend. But he didn't show up. I looked at the wall clock. It was eleven thirty. I told the man that I'd come back some other time and headed for the door. He came towards me and said, "You don't mean to go after waiting for so long?" I told him I could come another time and started walking. He followed me and holding my hand he offered me to stay with him. He didn't want to listen even if I told him I was in a hurry. Though I knew he could be of some use to me (when I saw his post and living condition), I refused. I also knew that he was married and a father. "For a moment I went back in time and remembered my life. It was my husband who infected me with the virus. I felt sorry for the wife of this man and his children. I snatched my hand and left the office. "The society is afraid of AIDS patients. Their knowledge about the people who are living with the virus is little or distorted. I don't think there is enough knowledge about the difference between AIDS patients and the carriers. Some people say that we teach to get money. For this reason, they don't want to accept we're living with the virus. But in general, there is a change. The society in general accepts what we teach on the stage and in a social gathering (like when we are drinking coffee together). This encourages us." Wogayehu says the fact that she got tested and revealed herself to the society brought her a great support and care. "Letting the society and my children know that I'm living with the virus helped me. Especially the care and support that my elder son gives me boosts my confidence. Starting from what I've to eat he advises me about the cares I've to take. "I know many working people who are afraid of getting tested but live in fear and anxiety. I'd like to tell them to learn from us, that knowing one's status is better. Nothing gives relief better than having a blood test. It's essential for one's life."